Betting on Everything Wicked: For Good

It’s late November 2025, and the air is electric with a particular shade of green. A year ago, we were all sent soaring by Jon M. Chu’s Wicked: Part One, a cinematic spectacle that didn’t just meet expectations but defied them. It brought the Land of Oz to life with breathtaking visuals, powerhouse vocals, and a story that reminded millions why they fell in love with it on Broadway two decades ago. The film was a bona fide phenomenon, painting the global box office green to the tune of over a billion dollars and setting a new standard for modern movie musicals.

Now, the wait is finally over. Wicked: Part Two is almost upon us, promising to conclude the epic tale of Elphaba and Glinda. The excitement is more than just standard sequel hype; it’s the culmination of a massive cultural event. The first film left us on a stunning cliffhanger, with Elphaba fully embracing her persona as the “Wicked Witch of the West” after a show-stopping “Defying Gravity.” The stage is now set for a darker, more emotional, and potentially even more successful conclusion.

So, as we prepare to return to Oz, let’s place some wagers on just how high this second chapter can fly.

The Billion-Dollar Question: Can Part Two Fly Higher?

The commercial performance of Wicked: Part One was nothing short of astonishing. Grossing $1.1 billion worldwide in late 2024, it silenced any skeptics who questioned the box office viability of a classic musical in the modern era. The big question now is whether Part Two can surpass its predecessor. History gives us a compelling reason to believe it will.

Successful two-part finales often see a significant uplift in their second installment. Look at Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, where Part 2 out-earned Part 1 by over $350 million globally. A more recent example is Avengers: Endgame, which followed Infinity War and became one of the highest-grossing films of all time. Audiences who were captivated by the first part return in droves, bringing with them a sense of urgency to see the story’s resolution. Given that Part One ended on such a dramatic high point, the desire to see the conclusion is immense.

The Soundtrack Showdown: A New Anthem?

Cynthia Erivo’s rendition of “Defying Gravity” was the musical moment of 2024. It dominated streaming platforms, inspired countless social media videos, and became an anthem for a new generation. For Part Two, the musical spotlight shifts to two other iconic songs from the stage show, each offering a completely different emotional punch.

First is “No Good Deed,” Elphaba’s furious, grief-stricken vow to abandon all attempts at being good. It’s a moment of pure, raw power, and it’s a song that will allow Erivo to showcase a completely different side of her vocal and dramatic talent. Expect this to be the film’s most intense and visceral musical sequence. On the other end of the spectrum is “For Good,” the heartbreakingly beautiful duet between Elphaba and Glinda as they say their final goodbye. This is the emotional core of the entire story. The combined star power of Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, whose portrayal of Glinda was a celebrated highlight of the first film, will make this a guaranteed tearjerker.

Charting a Course for Streaming Supremacy

The theatrical run is only the first chapter of a film’s life. Wicked: Part One has already proven to be a juggernaut on the Peacock streaming service, where it has been in the top 10 almost continuously since its debut earlier this year. This long-term engagement is critical.

When Part Two eventually arrives on the platform in 2026, it will trigger a massive wave of re-watching. Viewers will undoubtedly create their own double features, experiencing the complete four-hour-plus epic in a single sitting. This ensures the Wicked saga will remain a part of the cultural conversation for years, not just months. Universal Pictures played the long game by splitting the story, and the streaming payoff will be a testament to that strategy’s success, creating an evergreen property that families and fans will return to again and again.

The Awards Campaign: Second Time’s the Charm?

Last awards season, Wicked: Part One was a major player. It secured a wealth of Oscar nominations, including for Best Picture, and took home statues for its immaculate Costume and Production Design. While both Erivo and Grande earned nominations, the major acting and directing awards remained just out of reach. This sets up a compelling narrative for Part Two.

The Academy loves a grand conclusion. The most famous example is The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, which swept the Oscars after its two predecessors had been nominated but largely overlooked in the top categories. If Part Two delivers the emotional and narrative payoff that everyone expects, it could be a dominant force at the 2026 Academy Awards.

Beyond the Yellow Brick Road: What’s Next for the Franchise?

With the main story of Elphaba and Glinda concluding, one has to wonder what the future holds for the cinematic world of Oz. Gregory Maguire’s “Wicked Years” series includes other books like Son of a Witch and A Lion Among Men that explore the world after Dorothy’s departure. Could these be adapted into future films or perhaps a high-budget streaming series? The demand is certainly there. A prequel exploring the life of the Wizard or the political turmoil in Oz before Elphaba’s birth could also be fascinating. Then again, there is a strong argument for letting this duology stand on its own as a complete and perfect work. Whatever the studio decides, the success of these two films has guaranteed that Oz will remain a premier destination for cinematic storytelling.

As the lights go down and the first notes of that familiar overture begin to play, all the speculation about box office totals and awards will melt away. What we are about to witness is the conclusion to a story that has touched hearts for over twenty years, brought to the screen with a level of passion and artistry that is rare. These bets are a fun way to quantify the film’s inevitable success, but the real prize is the experience itself. We get to watch Elphaba and Glinda change each other, and us, for good. The journey to the Emerald City has been a spectacular one, and this final chapter promises to be the most magical of all.